WORCESTER, MASS. Russell E. Fuller, founder of REFCO, Inc. and beloved philanthropist, died June 20 at age 77.

For 39 years, Fuller served as president of the industrial supply company he and his wife established in 1959. In May 1998, REFCO, Inc. became a founding member of the Industrial Distribution Group.

A WWII veteran, Fuller was a humanitarian, heading up the Fuller Foundation (established by his great-uncle) to assist advocates of education, culture, history, health care and youth. For his lifetime of selfless works, he received the Isaiah Thomas Citizenship Award in 2002 from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Fuller, a member of the Boylston Lodge of Masons, also received honorary degrees from Assumption and Central New England colleges. He was on the boards for Central New England and Nichols colleges, the Memorial and UMass Memorial hospitals, and the UMass Memorial Foundation.

Fuller is survived by Joyce I. Fuller, his wife of 58 years, two sons, Lincoln and Mark, a brother, Wesley, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.